CINCINNATI (Interstat) — A surging Villanova Wildcats squad aims to extend its seven-game winning streak when it visits the Xavier Musketeers in a Big East clash Tuesday night at Cintas Center. The Wildcats (20-5, 10-2 Big East) have not lost since Jan. 24, most recently handling then-Creighton 80-69 on the road Saturday. Forward Duke Brennan has been a catalyst, averaging a double-double of 13.4 points and 11.6 rebounds over his last five contests. He posted 21 points and 12 rebounds in the win at Creighton. Xavier (13-12, 5-7) is looking to build momentum after a thrilling 96-88 home victory over then-Marquette on Saturday. The Musketeers’ offense runs through versatile guard Filip Borovicanin, who recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists in that upset. He averages 14.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists over his last six games. Villanova’s defense, allowing just 66.8 points per game during its streak, will be tested by a Xavier team that scored 96 against a stout Marquette defense. The Musketeers have shown a Jekyll-and-Hyde tendency, however, following big wins with lopsided losses, including a 92-60 defeat at Connecticut on Feb. 3. The Wildcats won the season’s first meeting 78-70 in Philadelphia on Jan. 3. Brennan had 12 points and nine rebounds in that game, while Borovicanin was held to eight points for Xavier. Tuesday’s contest is the first of a critical home-and-home series that will conclude in Philadelphia on March 7. For Xavier, a win is vital to bolster its fading NCAA Tournament at-large resume. For Villanova, it’s a chance to solidify its hold on second place in the conference and protect a valuable road victory. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. EST. The game will be televised on FS1.